A Treatise on Domestic Economy
Catherine Esther Beecher
Catherine Esther Beecher was born on September 6, 1800 in East Hampton, New York; the daughter of outspoken religious leader Lyman Beecher.   She  became renowned for her forthright opinions on women’s education and support of kindergarten as a way to inspire young minds. In 1823 she opened the Hartford Female Seminary, where she taught until 1831.  She became engaged to Professor Alexander Fisher of Yale University, but he died before the wedding was to take place and she remained single throughout her life.

She may have been the sister of Harriet Beecher-Stowe, well known author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, but did not live in her shadow; leaving her own mark on the world.
In 1841 Beecher published “A Treatise on Domestic Economy for the Use of Young Ladies at Home and at School” a book which discussed the underestimated importance of women’s roles in society. This book became popular throughout North America, including Canada; and set a standard for many women.  The complete text can be read by linking onto the chapters below.

Catherine died on May 12, 1878. 
A Treatise on Domestic Economy
       For the Use of Young Ladies at Home and at School
By:  Catherine Esther Beecher
CHAPTER I.  PECULIAR RESPONSIBILITIES OF AMERICAN WOMEN.

CHAPTER II.  DIFFICULTIES PECULIAR TO AMERICAN WOMEN.

CHAPTER III.  REMEDIES FOR THE PRECEDING DIFFICULTIES.

CHAPTER IV.  ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY AS A BRANCH OF STUDY.

CHAPTER V.  ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.

CHAPTER VI.  ON HEALTHFUL FOOD

CHAPTER VII.  ON HEALTHFUL DRINKS.

CHAPTER VIII.  ON CLOTHING.

CHAPTER IX.  ON CLEANLINESS.

CHAPTER X.  ON EARLY RISING

CHAPTER XI.  ON DOMESTIC EXERCISE.

CHAPTER XII.  ON DOMESTIC MANNERS

CHAPTER XIII.  ON THE PRESERVATION OF A GOOD TEMPER IN A HOUSEKEEPER

CHAPTER XIV.  ON HABITS OF SYSTEM AND ORDER

CHAPTER XV.  ON GIVING IN CHARITY

CHAPTER XVI.  ON ECONOMY OF TIME AND EXPENSES

CHAPTER XVII.  ON HEALTH OF MIND.

CHAPTER XVIII.  ON THE CARE OF DOMESTICS.

CHAPTER XIX.  ON THE CARE OF INFANTS.

CHAPTER XX.  ON THE MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN.

CHAPTER XXI.  ON THE CARE OF THE SICK.

CHAPTER XXII.  ON ACCIDENTS AND ANTIDOTES

CHAPTER XXIII.  ON DOMESTIC AMUSEMENTS AND SOCIAL DUTIES.

CHAPTER XXIV.  ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES

CHAPTER XXV.  ON FIRES AND LIGHTS

CHAPTER XXVI.  ON WASHING.

CHAPTER XXVII  ON STARCHING, IRONING, AND CLEANSING.

CHAPTER XXVIII.  ON WHITENING, CLEANSING, AND DYEING.

CHAPTER XXIX.  ON THE CARE OF PARLORS.

CHAPTER XXX.  ON THE CARE OF BREAKFAST AND DINING-ROOMS.

CHAPTER XXXI.  ON THE CARE OF CHAMBERS AND BEDROOMS.

CHAPTER XXXII.  ON THE CARE OF THE KITCHEN, CELLAR, AND STOREROOM.

CHAPTER XXXIII.  ON SEWING, CUTTING, AND MENDING.

CHAPTER XXXIV.  ON THE CARE OF YARDS AND GARDENS.

CHAPTER XXXV.  ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS.

CHAPTER XXXVI.  ON THE CULTIVATION OF FRUIT.

C
HAPTER XXXVII.  MISCELLANEOUS DIRECTIONS. 
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